Liberals claim win number two

Liberal Lads won their second match of the season to hoist themselves off the foot of the William Hill Darts League’s Sid Dennis and Sons Division One.

They hosted lowly Boathouse 501s, and the away side had the early advantage taking the first set of singles 3-1 thanks to Lee Woods (2x100, 140), Chris Fletcher (4x100, 2x140 and a 17-dart leg) and Gary Garton​ (4x100, 125, 140).

However, the Liberals had other ideas and levelled things up in the doubles before Gary gave the away side the upper hand with his second singles win. Mark Carter (2x100, 140) levelled and Gordon McQuillan (5x100, 125, 140) put the Liberal in front for the first time.

Matt Reeson​ (115, 125) held his nerve to win his game and the match.

Kevin Dickinson​ (100, 123, 125) was the other 501s top scorer, while Julian Smith​ (3x100) scored well for Liberal.

Countryman Dads Army are now bottom of the table after their 7-3 defeat by second placed Barkham Arms.

In the Sid Dennis and Sons Division Two, Boathouse Bouys played highflying WMC Amigos and earned adraw against the second-placed side.

The Buoys took the first singles 3-1 and the doubles were shared.

Going into the last set of singles, Spencer Davis​ and Mick Seager squared the match up but Hayden Chipping restored the home side’s advantage - only for Tony Goodwin to win the final singles to force a draw.

Third-place Seaview Raiders had the chance to close the gap on the Amigos as the travelled to Finnigans, and the Raiders looked in control as they raced into a 4-2 lead going into the last set of singles.

T. Kempton (125) won the first of these for the home side, Kieran Emsen (121, 116 finish) swung things back in the Raiders’ favour with his victory before Finnigans captain Phil Lonslow (118, 125 and 100 finish) beat Peter East​ to leave a tense last singles which Barry Taylor​ (140) won for the Raiders to gain a narrow 6-4 win.

It was top versus bottom as Railway Cobras took on Three Tuns, and the result was a predictable 7-3 win for the home side.

Friday will be the penultimate Pro-Am qualifier at the Ex Service, a Last Man Standing event.